Travel & Leisure

Cheat Sheet: Tips Before You Start Your Driving Test

They say that if you can drive in the Philippines, then you can drive anywhere else in the world. Driving in this country can be dangerous because there are cars, buses, and motorcycles who go past the speed limit. There are also people who don’t cross the streets through pedestrians and overpasses. So you have to be extra careful when driving here because something might happen to their carelessness or yours.

Driving in the Philippines takes a lot of courage, you have to learn how to be aggressive on the road so that you will not be trapped or feel bullied in situations. Driving lessons can differ from each person. Some people learn quick, while others needs to take their time in order to be familiar with the road. You should only take your driving test once you feel confident about your driving skills. If you are ready, here are tips to keep in mind for your driving test.

1. Get to know your car.Before your driving test, you should know the car that you will be driving. If they don’t allow you to use your own car, don’t hesitate to ask what car and model you will be driving. You can research on the car beforehand so that you will have an idea on what to expect. On the day of the test, try to have a moment to observe the car and familiarize yourself with it.

2. Practice Beforehand.A driving test can be nerve-wracking because the examiner will have the option if they will let you drive on your own. It requires a lot of practice beforehand, but you should not think of the test while practicing because it will make you feel more nervous rather than thinking of getting the hang of it.

3. Know all the routines and gears.Gears in manual cars can be hard to maneuver, so it’s important to be familiar on how to shift gears because some cars require extra strength for it to work. The examiner will also record and score your behavior once you have entered the car, so remember your routines with the mirrors, signals, speed, and positioning.

4. Wear comfortable footwear.Always remember to wear your comfiest pair of shoes, especially if you will be driving a manual car because they have the ability to make your left leg feel strained. Once your feet is starting to hurt, your drive will not feel as smooth as you’d like it to be.

5. Once you have made a mistake, disregard it right away.If you make a mistake during your driving test, don’t dwell on it too much because it will eat you up and you’ll be more prone to mistakes during the whole ride. Tell the examiner that you noticed your mistake so that he will credit your awareness even if you made an error.

6. Forget that you are with an examiner.It is better to forget that you have an examiner accompanying you during the ride. It can be stressful to think that someone is watching your every move. When driving during your test, you should think that you are either alone or with someone you feel comfortable with. This will make you feel less uncomfortable and it will produce a smooth ride.

If your driving test didn’t go too well, don’t be saddened by it because they can still give you a second chance to prove yourself. Driving is a learning process and if we give up on it, then we are less likely to drive again. You will just need more practice and hard work because the examiners just wants your safety. Once you pass, don’t forget to be a proper citizen by abiding the road etiquettes even if other people disobey them.